A rally will be held today to allow UCLA community members to speak out against animal rights extremism that has targeted campus researchers in recent months.
Called Pro-Test, it will occur at the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte Avenue. An animal rights activist rally is scheduled to take place one hour before the Pro-Test march will begin.
“The (Pro-Test) rally will affirm the critical role of biomedical research and that animal research is a necessary part of understanding and treating human diseases,” said David Jentsch, a UCLA associate professor of psychology and psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences.
Pro-Test began as an organization in the United Kingdom when animal rights extremists acted violently against Oxford University faculty and students, according to Tom Holder, Oxford graduate and member of the U.K. protest group.
“It is crucial for students to take a stand in support of medical research,” Holder said.
“There is a lot of misconception about animal research, and it is important to remind people how important research is,” Jentsch said.
Holder said the march will give scientists the opportunity to speak out and explain animals’ involvement in medical research.
Gerald Levey, dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine and speaker at today’s event, said, “Animal research has led to cures and a better understanding of disease.”
Jentsch said he has watched as other faculty members have been attacked by animal rights extremists. Five weeks ago his own car was torched outside his home, he added.
After his initial response of shock, Jentsch said he realized something had to be done. He contacted Holder and they began to organize the rally.
“UCLA is a premier research institution, and people need to be reminded of that,” Jentsch said.
Holder said he expects splinter groups of extremists to try to intimidate the Pro-Test marchers, Pro-Test will ignore harassment.
In response to the Pro-Test march and rally, Jerry Vlasak, a North American Animal Liberation Press Office spokesman, said he wishes researchers would engage in debate rather than organizing protests.
Vlasak said he will not be at the event, as “the press office neither attends nor advocates protests.”
Levey said he is hoping the rally will create a better understanding of the necessity of animal research.
“It is important to ensure people of their safety today,” Holder said, adding that the police will be involved.
Jentsch said he respects the rights of legitimate advocates for animal welfare but added that he will never engage with extremists. He said he is overwhelmed by the response on campus at all levels.
The march will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the junction of Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte Avenue. It will be followed by a variety of speakers on animal research.